Product returns. They’re every retailer's nightmare - costly, time-consuming, and bad for business.
When products fail to meet expectations, it’s a lose-lose situation for both businesses and shoppers. Common culprits include inaccurate descriptions, outdated information, and inconsistent data across sales channels.
With AI-powered Product Information Management (PIM) systems, these challenges can be effectively addressed. Tools like Bluestone PIM use AI to improve product data accuracy, build customer trust, and lower return rates.
Let’s explore how to reduce product returns with AI-powered PIM.
Common Issues Leading to Product Returns
Imagine ordering a jumper described as a “soft wool blend," only to end up with an itchy synthetic fabric. Or buying a "compact" gadget that turns out to be the size of a toaster.
These mismatches stem from poor product data on the product detail page and lead to disappointed customers.
By poor product data, we mean:
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Incorrect or incomplete descriptions. Customers expect details like dimensions, materials, or compatibility, but these are often missing or incorrect.
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Outdated content. Old information, like discontinued features or stock availability, leads to confusion.
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Lack of standardisation. Inconsistent terminology across channels frustrates customers.
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Unclear visuals. Low-quality images can mislead buyers about the product’s appearance or size.
For instance, in 2022, 56% of U.S. online shoppers reported returning items because the product didn’t match its description, and in Germany, 47% of consumers said better product details would reduce their returns. Industries such as fashion and electronics are especially vulnerable, with clothing return rates as high as 25%.
Better product data could drastically reduce these numbers.
4 Strategies to Minimise Returns
Reducing product returns starts with addressing these common pitfalls. By eliminating ambiguity, you can set realistic customer expectations and reduce returns.
Here are some actionable steps to consider.
Provide accurate, detailed product information
Accurate and detailed product information helps customers feel confident enough to buy from you, thus reducing the likelihood of returns. Make sure to include:
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Exact measurements and dimensions. Specify size details to avoid misunderstandings about product fit or compatibility.
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Materials and components. Clearly state what the product is made of to set the right expectations.
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Specific uses and care instructions. Explain how to use, maintain, or assemble the product to ensure long-term customer satisfaction.
Use high-quality product images
High-quality product images create a strong first impression and help customers understand what they’re buying. So ensure that your images:
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Show multiple angles and close-up details. Give customers a full view of the product to reduce uncertainty.
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Feature true-to-life colour representation. Avoid surprises by ensuring colours match real-life appearances.
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Provide context for size and scale. Include objects like rulers or models to clearly show product dimensions.
Highlight customer reviews
Customer reviews offer authentic insights that build trust and reduce hesitation. Display them prominently to:
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Showcase real-life experiences. Help potential buyers understand how the product performs in everyday use.
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Address common concerns. Reviews often answer questions that product descriptions can’t fully cover.
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Build credibility and trust. Genuine feedback reassures customers that your product delivers as promised.
Localise product descriptions
Localised product descriptions ensure that customers understand key product details, no matter where they are. Tailor your content by:
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Using region-specific measurements. For example, metric for Europe and imperial for the U.S. to avoid confusion.
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Adapting language and terminology. Speak the same language as your customers by using familiar terms that resonate with them.
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Reflecting cultural preferences. Adjust product descriptions to align with local customs and expectations.
If you're looking to not only reduce your return rates with AI-powered PIM but also boost your ROI, download our free e-book today:
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How AI-Powered PIM Supports These Strategies
Systems like Bluestone PIM with DAM capabilities like centralised storage of digital assets, data validation, and multi-channel distribution bring precision and efficiency to product information management.
Its integrated AI features—AI Enrich, AI Linguist, and AI Analyst—take this even further by addressing the root causes of product returns with intelligent automation and actionable insights.
AI Enrich
AI Enrich captures essential product details like colour, size, and style directly from images. It creates clear, consistent descriptions that match the actual product.
For businesses targeting global audiences, AI Enrich generates localised content in multiple languages, ensuring accurate communication across markets. It also maintains consistency across all sales channels, building trust with customers.
AI Enrich simplifies copywriting, helping you launch products faster with clear and error-free listings:
Discover the cost difference between manual product data enrichment and AI-driven enrichment.
Number of products requiring description
Average Word Count per Product Description
Manual/Human Copywriting Cost per Word
Your Current Cost Estimation:
$ for human copywriting of words to create product descriptions.
You are just one step away from discovering how much you can save with AI in PIM!
The AI calculates costs based on the number of input and output tokens, with each token representing approximately four characters. The cost per token varies depending on the model used.
Basic GPT Model: Less powerful, lower cost, produces simpler or less detailed responses, and might be faster due to smaller size or fewer computations.
Advanced AI Model: More powerful, higher cost, produces higher-quality and more detailed responses, but could be slower because of increased computational complexity.
Pricing for AI models often decreases with each new release, making advanced processing more cost-effective over time.
Bluestone PIM AI Enrich estimation
AI Linguist
AI Linguist supports reducing product returns by generating accurate, localised, and consistent product information.
With precise translations, AI Linguist ensures product descriptions and attributes are clear and maintain their original meaning, helping customers make informed choices.
It tweaks grammar, style, and tone, producing professional, easy-to-read content that eliminates confusion.
The feature also adapts content to fit local languages and cultural preferences, creating relatable, relevant experiences for international customers. By aligning translations with your brand’s unique voice, AI Linguist ensures consistency across all markets, reinforcing trust and reliability.
Designed for scalability, it easily handles large catalogues, enabling businesses to expand quickly without compromising quality.
See the real cost of manual product data translation. Discover how AI-powered PIM can cut expense.
Number of Products/SKUs Requiring Translation
Average Word Count per Product Description
Number of Languages
Manual/Human Translation Cost per Word
Your Current Cost Estimation:
$ for human translation of words required for product descriptions in languages.
You are just one step away from discovering how much you can save with AI in PIM!
The AI calculates costs based on the number of input and output tokens, with each token representing approximately four characters. The cost per token varies depending on the model used.
Basic GPT Model: Less powerful, lower cost, produces simpler or less detailed responses, and might be faster due to smaller size or fewer computations.
Advanced AI Model: More powerful, higher cost, produces higher-quality and more detailed responses, but could be slower because of increased computational complexity.
Pricing for AI models often decreases with each new release, making advanced processing more cost-effective over time.
Bluestone PIM AI Linguist Estimation
AI Analyst
Accurate product information clears away the confusion, making it that much easier for customers to find exactly what they’re after.
AI Analyst identifies and fixes missing or incorrect attributes, wrong descriptions, and categories, ensuring customers have all the details they need to make informed decisions. Its reports provide actionable insights with reliability scores.
Each suggestion is rated from 1 to 10, showing the system's confidence in the proposed change, making it easier for businesses to prioritise the most impactful improvements.
Updates are simplified with automated corrections, but businesses stay in full control by reviewing and approving each change before it is applied.
By aligning product details with quality standards, AI Analyst ensures listings are consistent across every sales channel, building trust and avoiding mismatched expectations.
Designed to scale, AI Analyst easily handles vast product catalogues, maintaining high-quality data as businesses grow. With fewer errors, faster updates, and a seamless shopping experience, it’s the smart solution for managing product information effectively.
Business Benefits of Accurate Product Data Using AI-Powered PIM
Inaccurate product data leads to more than just returns - it damages trust and revenue.
AI-powered PIM systems like Bluestone PIM offer a smarter way to manage product information, delivering tangible benefits:
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Fewer returns: accurate and engaging data reduces mismatched expectations.
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Better customer satisfaction: clear information builds confidence and loyalty.
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Lower costs: automated processes cut manual effort and operational expenses.
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Stronger brand trust: consistent messaging reinforces reliability across all platforms.
Future-Proof Your Business with AI-Powered PIM
Returns aren’t just a cost - they’re an opportunity to improve. By investing in AI-powered PIM, businesses can deliver better product experiences, build stronger relationships, and drive long-term success.
Ready to see the difference? Contact our advisors for a free consultation or book a demo meeting to discover how AI-powered PIM solutions can transform your e-commerce business.
Take control of your product data today and watch your return rates drop.
